Stevenage Cricket Club News story

On Sunday, the Prime Minister set out some changes regarding the LOCKDOWN that impact the way we can engage with sport and physical activity again.

I know this can be confusing, so today I wanted to set out what this means in practical terms for clubs and their members.

From tomorrow, Wednesday 13 May, people will be able to:

• Spend more time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking or sunbathing • Meet one other person from a different household outdoors, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines and stay a minimum of two metres apart • Exercise outdoors as often as they wish, again following social distancing guidelines • Use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or a golf course. This can be done with members of their own household, or one other person as long as they stay two metres apart.

However, people will still be unable to:

• Visit friends and family in their homes • Exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool • Use an outdoor gym or playground • Visit a private or ticketed attraction • Gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of their own household), except for a few specific exceptions such as funerals, house moves or in emergencies.

These changes represent significant steps forward for many sports and activities and it will be great to see sports like golf, tennis and watersports resume in some form.

Yet, while many of us will be desperate to get going again, it’s vital all organisations thoroughly understand the guidelines and create detailed and robust plans before they restart. For example, it will not be possible for you to open up any indoor sport facilities or use your clubhouse for social purposes.

It’s also important you communicate with your members so they clearly understand what they can and can’t do and are reassured that a return to sport will be as safe as possible.